Shame of Alwar gang-rape

In the Alwar gang-rape case, the atrocious negligence of the police unfolded, layer after layer, when the complainants went to the police station to lodge the first information report.

Representational image&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspPTI

Rajasthan is known the world over for chivalry. What has happened in the recent past is a tragedy, not only for Rajasthan but for the whole country. The nation was shocked by the brutal gang rape of a woman in front of her husband on April 26 in Alwar, Rajasthan. The victim couple was followed by the culprits and in a deserted stretch, the victims were attacked, taken to a secluded spot where the survivor was gang-raped by five men, in front of her husband in broad daylight.

The entire grisly crime was brazenly filmed by the attackers. The worst was yet to come. The atrocious negligence of the police unfolded, layer after layer, when the complainants went to the police station to lodge the first information report (FIR). What to talk of a sympathetic attitude expected of the police, the survivor and her husband were shown the door, under the pretext that due to the ongoing Parliamentary Elections, there is an acute shortage of manpower and they were “advised” to come after the elections were over!

It is a serious administrative lapse that such a horrific case went unregistered and unattended. Forget, crime and criminal intelligence, the Superintendent of Police was blissfully unaware of what was going on in the district. It was much later on May 2 that the FIR was lodged, it is alleged after the rape video was shamelessly made viral by the perpetrators. Consequently, there was widespread indignation and agitations. It is said that the complainant received a threatening call from one of the criminals while they were meeting the district SP and this time the call was for a demand of additional Rs 9,000 to withdraw the video, which was another bluff. It was then that the administrative machinery woke up and all the six accused were apprehended. This is when one of the accused had criminal antecedents and was therefore on police dossiers.

After the path-breaking and critical enactment of 13th Criminal Law Amendment Act in 2013, which amended major Acts, the Indian Penal Code, The Criminal Procedure Code, the Indian Evidence Act and Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, post Nirbhaya incident, it was expected that the security ecosystem for women would improve. Such cases would be handled much more professionally and investigations would be victim-centric, accorded the importance and priority that they deserve. But the response of the Alwar police is indeed cavalier, to say the least, and wanting in many respects.

Firstly, not lodging the FIR in such a case is a blatant dereliction of duty. Nowhere is it laid down that FIRs and investigations are kept on hold during elections. Secondly, the role of all ranks and supervisory officers needs to be examined closely. SHO has been placed under suspension and the SP has been transferred. What about suspending all other personnel of the police station who were present and privy to the visit of the complainants? The offence happened during the day for more than two hours, why no police presence and movement in the area, when the election process is on. Obviously, this is too little coming too late.

It is hoped that an FIR under Section 166-A of the IPC has been lodged against the SHO, which is mandatory in cases where an SHO or any police officer fails to do what he is expected to do. Another important point is that the survivor was a Dalit and if the SP and the SHO, belong to the upper caste, then they are liable to be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 4 of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Likewise, the transfer of the SP is just eyewash. In all probability, society will forget this incident after some time and the SP will happily pick up another convenient posting.

Since this was a cumulative failure, all ranks in the hierarchy, like Deputy Superintendents of Police, Additional Superintendent of Police should also be held accountable for the deteriorating law and order and poor control over crime and criminals. The National Security Act is also invoked in such sensational cases to doubly ensure that the accused are in jail and also to restore public confidence that the police and the Government are unsparing in such matters. Shockingly, Rajasthan has witnessed three gang rapes in the last 15 days. This sheds sufficient light on the prevailing law and order situation and the security environment.

The Rajasthan Police are well known for sound policing and thorough investigations that have seen remarkable success in courts. I remember my illustrious instructors at the National Police Academy, DSP Onkar Singh ji and Inspector Shiv Dayal Singh ji, both from Rajasthan Police. I shudder to think of the fate of these criminals if any of my teachers had been in Alwar in one capacity or the other. It is hoped that these cases are expeditiously investigated and put for trial in fast track courts with competent Public Prosecutors to pursue them with vigour and determination so as to secure the conviction of all accused.

The Chief Minister has ordered an enquiry by the Commissioner, whereas it would have been expeditious for the IG or any designated ADG rank officer to inquire into the matter, as all the lapses pertaining to police officers and a senior police officer would have been better equipped to handle this enquiry. Ideally, the CM would do well to comply with the guidelines of the Supreme Court and implement the police reforms without further delay.

The ground reality is unpalatable - the field and on ground tactics of the police must come out on a war footing, document hardcore and habitual offender, identify sensitive areas and secure them. Put all sensitive cases of the state in fast track courts, and aim for early convictions and death sentences to restore public confidence.

Shame of Alwar gang-rapeDescription:In the Alwar gang-rape case, the atrocious negligence of the police unfolded, layer after layer, when the complainants went to the police station to lodge the first information report.Vikram Singh